Abstract
Otago BMLSc student research project abstract.
Objectives: Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining is a fundamental technique in histology, essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis of patient samples. This research compares the current H&E staining method in the Oral Pathology Laboratory (progressive staining using Gill’s II haematoxylin) with alternative methods utilising Harris’ haematoxylin, with the aim of determining whether the new approach provides improved staining quality.
Methods: Eight different rat tissue types were selected to ensure a representative range of histological samples. Both progressive and regressive H&E staining methods using Harris haematoxylin were optimised through multiple rounds of testing prior to evaluation. For assessment, pathologists were presented with forty H&E slides (five per tissue type). These included one slide stained with the current Gill’s II protocol, and four slides stained with Harris haematoxylin - two using progressive methods and two using regressive methods, each with slight procedural variations. The slides were graded on a five-point scale in a blinded manner, without knowledge of the staining methods used.
Results: Initial results indicate a significant improvement in staining quality with the use of Harris haematoxylin in both progressive and regressive methods. When compared to Gill’s Il haematoxylin, Harris haematoxylin produced sharp and more defined nuclear staining. It also enhanced contrast with eosin, resulting in a clearer distinction between nuclear and cytoplasmic material.
Conclusion: These findings support the implementation of Harris haematoxylin as a superior alternative to Gill’s II for improved H&E staining quality at the Oral Pathology Centre.